Friday, November 22, 2019

11-22-2019 Confessions of Thanks



For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

―Psalm 139:13-16

Lord, I confess…

―Strange and very personal words―at least they should be. And what do they really suggest? Do I really believe that You, the Master of the universe will take time to hear my outpouring of honest betrayal to You? In my heart of hearts, do I even think that I have or am capable in the present and future of wronging our relationship by some action or inaction on my part?

Teacher, I can’t speak on anyone else’s behalf, but I am amazed at how Your scriptural examples acknowledge a greater audience than just me. You inspired Your spiritual scribes in the books of Ruth and Samuel, to outline exactly how the relationship You do and do not want with Your chosen ones should be framed.

Ruth pledges to live or die where Naomi lives or dies, submitting to the will of another. Samuel does the same in his relationship with You. Saul on the other hand does what I have been guilty of, charging ahead under his own self-made-man assumptions, thinking You will approve and assuming You will repair any wrongdoing on his part.

You repair alright…along with some loving reprimands. I remember a time when I purchased a motorcycle, thinking it would be a great vehicle for my wife and me to use to explore the country-side. And it was! It wasn’t until years later, when I had a serious accident, that I came to realize Your “hand” had been upon me in those early days―to protect us. I have since looked back on other examples where I displayed lesser abilities maneuvering on two-wheels. Now I conclude that I could have easily inflicted great damage to my beautiful bride, rather than providing the pleasure-ride of the moment.

Looking back and looking forward―You teach me to consider a greater-good above the immediacy of my own gratification. Healer, there are many more moments that I can point to. Moments of not seeking for Your will to be done and not waiting on Your wise counsel. Or asking of, then impatiently ignoring You: presuming that if You don't answer immediately or that You will not answer at all, that I'm on the right track.  I have also been guilty of assuming Your answer will never be immediate (so why bother asking in the moment?). And being a walking, talking contradiction, In some instances, I’ve even rationalized that You are liable to respond in the moment. In those cases I don't ask at all, fearing Your answer might be something I don't want to hear or submit to.

You are familiar with all of my “moments”―sadly even the ones still to come―when I skirt or manipulate Your will in trade for my own desire. Again back to Samuel’s account and a boy-king named David. He too wanted to please you. Unlike Saul, he sought and waited on Your approval of his intended actions…for the most part. Like me, he too sometimes self-justified his plans, thinking You would overlook an occasional indiscretion, even adultery, and murder.

So like Saul, am I to be condemned by my prideful view, or as David, am I redeemable from my indulgences?  My heart (and my prayers) fall to the later. Your grace and mercy are evident. Am I willing to recognize those blessings at any given moment, soberly alert and waiting for You to reveal your truth immediately or down the road? Will that help me avoid future spiritual conflict? I pray so in the short and the long-term.

Lord I repent…

―Or rather I hope to, I intend to, Master, that’s the plan. Help me with that plan, please. Forgive my selfish risk-taking, putting others at risk by justifying my own capabilities without first asking, then sufficiently waiting on You, or asking, then making up an answer I want you to respond with rather than be As we prepare to return to Israel, I am becoming more anxious to be right in Your sight. I’m convinced that my conviction is of Your doing, Your Spirit’s prodding. I praise You not for my attempts, but for Your forgiveness and empowerment in my weak moments of waiting.

And that brings up a final confession, Lord. In this Thanksgiving and Christmas season, this waiting…Advent―moment, I struggle with how to respond. I have no worthy gift to offer.  I want to recognize You, rely on You, and not forget what You have done, are doing and will do. I have failed on my own and will continue to fail on my own. So all I can do is ask for one more gift from You―possibly a dangerous gift in its unfolding. I am saved by You and I will be saved by You. There is no other greater gift than Your ultimate act of love. But will You please walk with me through my selfish moments and guide me in my repentance, reminding me of these words when I am once again tempted to choose my will over waiting on Yours?

Offered in reverence of You who knitted me together,

Mark C.


Tuesday, September 10, 2019

9-10-2019 All Hands On Deck




Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12

What a summer it has been, Lord. I embrace the concept of Labor Day and its observance, but I hadn’t considered the concept of Labor Year!

You, of course, have walked with me, even spiritually carrying me in some cases through the whole journey as I decided early in the spring to tear out and replace the rotted and highly unstable top of the wooden deck attached to the second story of our house. Then to build a porch beneath the structure (which) required the expense and effort of making the above deck watertight.

I performed most of said labor, squeezing in time balanced with my regular job/domestic responsibilities, and honestly Lord; I didn’t know I had it in me. Friends did join in when asked (thank you especially, Mr. Jolly) and I quickly realized how blessed I am by those who were willing to sweat and toil alongside me.

Four months and 40 pounds of lost weight later, several epiphanies have surfaced.

First, you Jesus, having been a tekton during your physical life on earth, toiled in this manner beyond anything of which I’m capable. Yet you devoted additional time, even after your craftsman efforts, to serve and minister to others. I on the other hand, was worn out by my physical efforts and devoted far less time to service opportunities. The comparison again lends opportunity for awe at your dedication in your choice of sacrifice on behalf of me and the rest of humanity.

Second, I find now that the endeavor is nearly completed, that I could easily become consumed by said efforts and let myself be defined by what I have accomplished. The truth is, I am not the “Deck Guy”. I am the “follower guy”. My work is not who I am, only a result of what I believe. I find the reminder that you inspire and convict me to pursue elevated goals to be a reason to praise you even more. You do not ask for me to perform at unobtainable levels and you are there as the example of what can be done by the power and given authority of God.

And then there is epiphany three―the key of trust. I realize that if I prepare first in prayer; seeking through scripture and wise counsel, your will Father―in you Jesus, by The Spirit, I can do all things. Braggadocios? Not if I truly aspire to epiphany number two. Were there times along the way that I was depressed, discouraged, wondering why and how I became immersed in what seemed an un-accomplishable aspiration? You know there were and you whispered encouragement all along the way, even when others shook their heads in amazement at my seemingly insane behavior.
 
Maybe there is another lesson for all of us bound by our physical and mental efforts on this planet, my King. Even when all of life looks less than hopeful (dare I say hopeless?), you are available to give confidence, to offer insight and wisdom, to instill the spirit of faith as long as we look to the light of your example and keep an eye on the path you have paved.

New projects and challenges now shimmer on the horizon. Facilitating another trip to Israel next year looms as a big one. I am tempted again to shake my head in the weakness of my belief that it can happen. So many obstacles, so little preparation time, so many more sojourners desired to join us in the venture. But you have taught me again that the tearing down of my doubt and the rebuilding of my deck of faith, supported by your incredible foundation: will see it (and me) through.

Thank you, again and always, Lord for being my inspiration, my leader and especially my Savior. I have discovered again in the exertion, just how small I am and how large is your love, desire and ability to see my work and fellowship through to completion in you.

I pray it may it always be so,

Mark C.








Friday, July 26, 2019

7/26/2019 Listening For Redemption


Know this, my beloved kin: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. ―James 1:19-20

I have been wondering why you, Lord gave this old guy the motivation and the endurance to take on a massive house renovation project during the summer months. I know there is a financial issue, that’s the simple one―much less costly to do it myself. And I am grateful I have the necessary abilities and resources. I have you, some very dedicated friends and skills passed down over the years to me by my father and other craftsmen to thank for that. Still, there has been something else―that persistent whispering in the back of my mind―Your Spirit. I know well its cadence and the difference of His character as compared to the other mumblings in my psyche―encouraging me forward on this project. What is it that makes this so pressing in the “now”?
I understand that the answer is always more complex with You than just one purpose. Your shaping in my life, Your causing of circumstances, always points to a greater design for me and for Your creation-community to which I am interwoven. I know that as we prepare for our trip next May back to Israel, You have been compelling me to get “my house” in order. I had been thinking this meant financial order and also organizing the many coordinated workings of such a trip. But could it also mean I need some additional internal Spiritual house-ordering? Of course, but what does that really mean? What new seed have You been trying so diligently to plant into my soil?

As I sweat and toil, I’m reminded of how You seem to best reach me; while I am fully engaged in some challenging exertion, whether physical or mental. It is in those moments of high focus that you till and prepare me for the fruit you desire to be borne out. And so it is proven out once more.

I have been thinking a lot about the post-modern era in which I now exist―a place where opinion does not often relate to a greater proven truth, especially Your greater Truth. Now our philosophies and ideologies have become the highborn product of the individual’s self-centered relativism. We appear only concerned with the cause of the moment―social, environmental or political―rather than the impact of our actions upon others. My cause over other’s cause, over Your cause, Lord? What has happened to us and what is the alternative?
Over the years I have learned a lot about listening. Not only how difficult true listening is, but also how challenging it is not to “agendize” what I learn in the listening process. I have the tendency to cleverly re-define the humble sharing of someone else’s shared story by twisting their words to fit my narrative. We all do it. A friend who insists that he only desires to hear another’s origins without biased, let drop his conviction that he believes there is no hell. Fine, I heard his statement without comment…yet, he interjected, “who in the world would believe in such a place?”

And by his statement, innocent or otherwise, he had disparaged a critical component of my origin-story, even though he had listened many times to my personal history―my journey in discovery of a need for a Redeemer to save me from being consumed by the trappings of a fallen world.

Like my friend, I believe I’ve gotten better at listening and observing, but still I struggle with outcome based listening rather than truly meeting people where they are, learning to accurately feed-back the foundational substance of a person’s biography, sharing my personal experience only when asked to and only when the other participant is also prepared to listen in like manner―sincerely wanting to learn of the other’s shaping rather that shape the other’s learning.

Naïve, Lord? Can I possibly meet someone where they are, not where I want them to be; listen without forming an opinion or response while still in the act of listening? Sure, I understand. Such an exercise is the beginning of relationship. Our stories do not stop until our last breath, nor are the stories only individual. The moment two encounter one another, You are already creating a new path for them to walk together. But I am prone to dismiss the first part of the encounter, thinking the second part is more important. I keep forgetting that the second part, a growing trust relationship, cannot happen without first, the willingness to be vulnerable with another human being.
And that begs the real question regarding how you are preparing me for redemption? Can it be that You desire I, and my fellow human beings to learn first the origins of redemption in Your story? If I fail to listen to how You came to create us for love, only to have us regularly reject that love; if I refuse to hear Your calling for me to love others as You love us; if I cannot accept the flaw of my own rebellion―counting my will as supreme over Yours; than where is the hope for a better world condition? Certainly not in the continued popular culture initiatives we humans contrive.

What proof of the collapse of listening fundamentals do I have? Lord the headlines of the world tell it all.
I look at my own house redemption project, differently now. As I struggle to refurbish, cleanup and create a better foundation for the homestead with which You have blessed me, I now am also trying to view each board, screw, and joint as a metaphorical example of how my relationships with You and Your children also demand the same care and attention. Hmm, perhaps I’m being prepared for some new housebuilding, in the form of listening to Your story, through Your childrens’ stories here in my community as well as in the land of Your chosen people.]

Help me Lord to be practiced to the task, whatever that might be. Let me respond by quieting my own noisy opinionated will and cause me to hear Your will correctly, by reflecting Your redemptive desire for relationship with others.

Shema

Mark C.




Sunday, June 9, 2019

6-9-2019 Critique of the Critiquers



I was at an Authors Event, where various writers, including me, sat on panels to answer audience questions regarding our craft. There was a woman, also a writer in the room who raised her hand when we discussed the concept of Christian content.

“Do Christians ever write books of criticism on Christianity?” was her question.

The tenor of the inquiry suggested she was not a follower of you, Messiah, and that perhaps she had an axe to grind. Regardless, I appreciated both her courage to ask and wondered at the origins of the query. The panel encouraged that yes, Christian writers throughout history have and still do hold up the harsh light of opinion upon the church. For good reason too―we do not often enough follow your perfect example in our daily walk. There are countless commentaries on faith serving to point us toward honest reflection and correction, but do we countlessly seek agreement as suggested by chapters and verses in the book we are so apt to criticize. Thank you again for grace in the struggle of our minds, Jesus, but I pray toward more defense of the complete work, rather than division.

And under the guidance of that hunger, I wanted to reach out to the searching soul who was brave enough to offer the question on her heart to the room we shared. I perceived that the immediate answers our panel had offered were not quite satisfactory to her wondering. So, after the discussion, I approached her and learned that indeed she had had a negative experience in her formative years with some proclaimed Christian group. Whether by their instruction to her, or by her perception, she felt judged; not by your Word, but by her peers.

I was saddened on reflection. First, because it didn’t need to be that way; their choices and hers led to a parting instead of an invitation to learn and grow together. Lord, I totally get the “resistance factor”, wanting my ways as they are now, to be your ways. That’s where you met me and changed me. But at some point I had to become something I hadn’t considered attractive; I had to become submissive to another’s…your thoughts, your instruction which was not in sync with my thoughts and direction.

At that turning point, I started realizing I was the “issue”, not your plan. Now, I was observing a young woman who, like me did not seem to understand the very essence of your conviction on us. We are by nature critiquers. The tricky road being of course that the world (as evidenced by this woman’s position) seems to expect me to criticize you when in fact it is me and all of us in need of correction. But that means we all have to join together, standing before the mirror of your measuring―a very uncomfortable place to be…at least initially.

Yet, there is help to be had in the effort to shift direction. On this day in that room, you stepped in, Spirit. While I was later talking one-on-one with the questioner, another man walked up to us and introduced himself as a recent joiner of the faith. His amazing confession? “It took me until I was 60 plus years old to realize I was the one getting in the way of my belief in a loving Savior.”

Wow. He went on to explain that he was an engineer who recently visited a congregation with his son. The pastor presented a position diametrically opposed to this man’s belief, so he came back to confront and work out the disagreement (oh, this sounds so familiar, Lord). In that conflict the man discovered Truth; not his, not the pastor’s, but yours, Teacher) and in that moment, the new man was born.

Any additional words I might have offered to underscore his witness would have been pointless. He had just reduced commentary to a simple equation already clearly offered in the writings of your servant, James:

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will stir within you and lift you up.

I still pray for the woman’s struggle, Lord, as I pray for my own ongoing resistance to be wiped clean. AS my new found friend in the faith beautifully portrayed, it is not as simple as asking you to improve me, but is more my willingness in humility to be improved. Let that be the condition we all seek, in your name, Jesus, perfecter of our faith.

Thank you, Lord, again, for teaching and loving your people toward a closer walk with you.

―It is so.

Mark C.



Monday, April 29, 2019

4-29-2019 You-Turn


"But even now," declares the LORD, "return to me with all your heart- with fasting, crying, and mourning."

Tear your hearts, not your clothes. Return to the LORD your God. He is merciful and compassionate, patient, and always ready to forgive and to change his plans about disaster.

           Joel 2:12-13


Lord, I’m revisiting the moments before your crucifixion and resurrection. Yes, I know that moment in time, the most amazing moment so far, is past. Your work on the cross and your act of restoration for your creation is completed. I get that.

But there are still things you ask me to learn from that moment. Some of those things include the very language I just used, drawn out of your Word, to instruct me in just how I am to follow. The words that convict me today are “revisit” and “restore”, both can be described by another word used extensively in the text: 

Repent. 

I confess that I used to get defensive when I read that you request repentance of me. “I have repented; you are my Lord,” I would say. But you have led me to realize there are two very different definitions in your inspired text; each suggesting two very different options for me to choose from when I repent.

The first choice is not a bad one at all: In the Old Testament, it is frequently translated from the word Nâcham: To literally sigh as in feeling sorry, having remorse―As in your reaction, Father God, to the condition of mankind prior to the flood. I too can sigh and feel bad. I fully understand this emotion.
The other word of old that is translated “repent” is shûb, which is an act of returning or turning around. It suggests “restoration” of something that once was―As when in Genesis, Jacob/Israel requested at his death that his children return him to the land you had promised to give him. I have more difficulty with this definition, Lord. It speaks of a change of behavior and attitude, an actual intentional turning, not simply a feeling of remorse that can be later forgotten.
The realization that repentance might be more than regret led me on another questioning journey: Are there also two definitions in the New Testament? Do they mirror the context spoken of before you appeared as the God/Man?
Why would I doubt that you addressed repentance while you dwelt in the flesh! One example of many is when you, Jesus, were taken into custody to be tried and crucified. When Judas realized in what his betrayal would result, the Greek translation says he was “Metamellomai”: regretful after the fact; sorrow-filled. But other than trying to give back the 30 pieces of silver, there was no action on his part of turning around to correct his behavior.
I contrast this with what you asked the people to do when you first appeared in the flesh. “Repent, (metanoeō), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Metanoeō means to think differently, afterwards; to turn around and act in a new manner.
 As my wife and I prepare to revisit the Land and to share its amazing heritage with others, I’m convicted to ask, which definition do you require me to adhere to? The answer I read about and hear spoken in my heart of hearts is…”Both”, but more specifically, “One, then the other.”
So Teacher, are you suggesting, I have done less in my life? Do you observe me more typically leaving things at the “sorrow-filled altar”; assuming you are satisfied with the offering of my guilty conscience? In fact, that response happens more than I care to admit when I reflect on my behavior, past, and present. Maybe as I prepare to revisit the restoration miracle of Israel, I first need to revisit my attitude and my acts to make sure they reflect your restoring action in me. After all, if Im only focused on my feelings, nothing really changes, does it? If you have changed me, then I should look changed. People should see it without my having to brag about it.
I pray that as we prepare to travel and minister, Lord, prepare us. Let your Spirit convict me toward a lifestyle that never denies you, never excuses your presence in my thoughts, words, and deeds. Encourage me to never cease openly celebrating the evidence of your redeeming acts in the world and in me. Cause in me a desire to invite and welcome others to repent, turning-around with, and alongside me. Strengthen our belief as we return to you, our Lord and Savior,
 ―It is so.

Mark C.

Sunday, February 3, 2019

2-5-2019 Wait for it

Lord, I'm making progress on my devotional book, the one you have inspired me to pursue. As previously admitted, it's not the easiest writing I've done. In fact, it requires a lot of detailed organization (not my greatest skill) and another strange disciple: Waiting. I am finding that you want me praying carefully about each step and waiting for the right inspirational moment rather than just jumping in with creative vigor. This approach is foreign to me, but I'm trusting that you know what you're doing. And that brings up a bold question: What are you doing while I'm waiting?

Yes God; that thought frequently crosses my mind. Please forgive any perception of arrogance―no I’m not privileged to know your bigger thoughts (I must improve my trust in things unseen). But you made me with a curious mind, you ask me to seek. And you fill with righteousness those who hunger and thirst for it.

The LORD said to Moses, "Come up to me on the mountain and wait there, that I may give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction."
           ―Exodus 24:12

You had a very specific plan of action in store for Moses and the Israelites. Interestingly you didn’t share (yet) with Moses that, while he was with you on the mountain, your people would be committing adultery below. You weren’t inclined to warn him that he would have to perform unspeakable acts, killing those who instigated the treachery. You didn’t reveal the necessity for another trip back up the mountain to receive a second set of instructions. Wouldn’t it have saved us (and you!) a whole lot of trouble if you had just told Moses in the first place that his first climb would be a futile exercise?

I’m discovering that there is a word closely associated with waiting. The word is teaching. I would not ordinarily connect the two, but you give me new sight in my waiting, and there is the beauty of your way. Being on Spiritual-standby does not mean you have nothing for me to do; that I should not be expectant and seeking in my soul.

Is that what you meant for Sabbath Rest to be about―A time to let your Spirit prepare me for tomorrow’s task; rewarding or arduous as it might be; a time to strengthen me and better instruct me in your ways?

I am in awe of your patience, with me, Father, that you would carefully and methodically lay out the lessons I need―those that encourage and those that convict―only as they become necessary. I would be overwhelmed, perhaps even unable to cope if you were not to carefully and lovingly walk me through the challenges of life.

I ask that you continue to remind me that you provide only enough for me, according to your preparation. Help me to be ready for when tomorrow’s bread arrives.


―It is so.

Mark C.

Monday, January 21, 2019

1-21-2019 Vows and Consonants

And Jephthah came to Mizpah unto his house, and, behold, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances; and she was his only child; beside her he had neither son nor daughter.

And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he rent his clothes, and said: 'Alas, my daughter! thou hast brought me very low, and thou art become my troubler; for I have opened my mouth unto the LORD, and I cannot go back.' 

                                                                                                                ―Jdg 11:34-35

Yes, Lord, I did spell-check the title of this blog. I’ve been reading scripture and testing an epiphany (for me) with fellow studiers, to make sure I’m not on a wild goose chase. Vows and Consonants are exactly what I now want to seek your wise counsel about. So, to the point…

As I develop my devotional concerning your provision of tomorrow’s bread, a difficult subject has peeked its head out of the frozen ground of my comfort zone. The topic has to do with the language I use to commit myself to a person, project, or cause. It also relates to the ways I can mislead myself and others based on that language. All of this boils down to two words: Vow and Oath.

Jesus, you were the one who inspired me to chase the subject, so I won’t insult you by trying to educate in depth; the difference between the two. But in order for my simple brain to grasp the incredible significance of that difference, I’ve got to summarize. It appears that the origins of both words are indeed Biblical and are tied specifically to covenants and contracts (yes, those concepts again!):

To vow as played out in the ancient texts is to state verbally an intended commitment of common-good agreed to by two or more persons; then to act out that statement in good faith.

An oath, on the other hand, is the pledging/stating by one or more people of an irreversible action, regardless of the consequences and irrespective of individual benefit or penalty to the pledgers.

Is one better than the other, a vow vs. an oath? That depends on who you talk to. If I want my way to be the only way, regardless of its effect on others, an oath is the way to go. But that means I am in essence a slave to the commitment. I am inescapably obligated to carry out my commitment.

You, Lord, had some very strong things to say concerning oaths. According to your instructions in Matthew 5, I’m not to make oaths, but rather let the consistent and upright nature of my actions be my promise of future integrity. A more ancient example of an oath-gone-bad was when Jephthah swore to sacrifice whatever was in his doorway in return for a victory in a battle. Though the word “vow” is used in the record, the context and Jephthah's intent were based on an oath and so, poor Jephthah's daughter became an accidental victim of her father’s reckless commitment.

On the other hand, in accurately “vowing a vow”, I should be in concert with anyone else willing to pursue the common good by the same agreed to approach. Regardless of my success in following through, the covenant vow and its intended outcome remain, and the covenant participants are expected to see the commitment through. In a true vow, regardless of my appropriate or inappropriate actions on behalf of my fellow vower(s), the covenant continues. And for each individual, there is grace when along the way an obligation is fumbled. Since the objective of every participant is the same, others are expected to see the purpose through.

And that brings me to the question, Lord: How can I predict the outcome if I fail in fulfilling my vow? Abram had the same concern―his fear of his responsibility to the covenant-vow with you caused a dark spirit to come over him.

But you initiated something else in your vows; you included the prophetic. You and all you prophets spoke in vow language that not only spelled out the best way for each participant to proceed but also very specifically what would happen if the efforts were not made or were redefined by some rogue partner…like me.

I know what must be done, but have in many instances convinced myself that I can “short-cut” my efforts or possibly change the rules on the sly. Yes, Lord, I actually have tried to fake you out…as you know. Forgive me. In the course of my life and commitment with you, I have mistakenly invoked oaths rather than joined you in vow. And because of the prophetic language of your vow with me, I cannot deny that I know what consequences are in store. They are very clearly spelled out. My only hope is in your mercy and grace; neither of which I deserve.

So another question: In my relationship with you now, have I learned not to promise things I shouldn’t dare promise? Have I learned yet to follow you obediently on a common, greater course?

The answer is the same one you gave to Abram, “I will.” You knew then with him and now with me that Abe and I are flawed beings, incapable of perfect covenant. We need perfect help. So your vows include something else; assurances of your faithfulness to circumvent the failing of our faithfulness. You provide with your vows, an opportunity for Consonant (adj. consistently agreeable) relationship.

I have learned that by your graceful actions; and in willingness on my part to vow by your rules: We can do no wrong together. That statement will probably bother many who read it, but if they were to only study in depth the history of how beautifully life plays out when everyone carries out their vows with you correctly, they too would appreciate a new freedom. Odd, that being obedient to you and trusting the covenants you have laid out actually frees me from my personal prison, constructed through the making and carrying-out of selfish oaths.

Selfish oaths? Who says?

You do. You are the original and exclusive rule-maker and ironically then, the only one with the authority to oath/pledge anything. I see now, Lord, that by their very nature, my personal oaths require me to stand on principles of pride―I am selfishly compelled to see them through even if they work against yours and other’s causes. And that is no longer acceptable to me. I desire now to abandon my oath-making behavior and vow to vow with you. But am I a worthy covenant-vow partner? Not at all: That’s why you acted out another vow; committing to and seeing through your own self-sacrifice. In that moment my oaths became unimportant. Your vow has become our vow; if only I will claim it.

And I do, Lord! Thank you for allowing me to join in your plan and your desire. Thank you, Jesus, for being the first to vow for and with me, with any of us on this struggling planet. Now our vows of love for one another have given the possibility of an eternal life beyond the power of any worldly oath.

It is so,

Mark C.